The Black Vault

If someone can explain to me how stooping slightly forward and extending an open hand toward someone is actually a "gesture" to a guy behind and to the side of you... I will unhesitatingly admit defeat.

-tall man leans forward, partially extends hand so the participant on his right knows where to direct his attention-

"And this is Mr. So-N'-So..."

-moves on to next person to introduce after participant has shaken hands with the introduced, rinses and repeats-


How's that? Now if you can kindly explain to me how Barack was supposed to shake the hand of the fourth man at the end of the video...? Obama doesn't have stretchy powers to the best of my knowledge, and he didn't move forward, so why would he leave the last diplomat out of the hand-shaking bonanza? Unless, of course, his purpose wasn't to shake their hands, but to introduce them to the guy who's on his right.

Ok, I understand. However, not to get TOO technical.. but in your example, the appropriate gesture would have been an open hand outstretched, palm facing upward, followed by a slight, sweeping movement in the direction of the person he is introducing. Extending one's hand, pinky-finger-down and thumb-up, is nothing but an invitation for a handshake. I can think of no other possible use for a hand gesture such as that. In addition, look at his facial expressions, as each (hypothetical) offer for a handshake is denied. You can see that he is troubled by it but trying to keep himself together. The 3rd person he comes across he doesn't even extend his hand toward because as I hypothesize, he figured it out and didn't want to endure the embarassment of a 3rd denial.

I hope you don't think I'm being petty. I actually get what you are saying but the way the hand is held would tell the story. Also, can you see where Obama said, as you contend, "And this is Mr. So-and-So?" If he says nothing at all, it leans again in the direction of handshake invitation.

This is actually kind of a fun sidebar debate. I wish others would join in.

Humphreys? Your opinion?

Honestly, Obama just always looks unhappy to me. Like... dude is seriously sad-facing 24/7. I'd give you the facial emotions otherwise, but our president is permanently bummed out.

I also think that just because a pinky down/thumb up hand is extended doesn't necessarily mean it's for a handshake. I know the few times I've introduced people like that (albeit mockingly) that's just the direction my hand ended up going.

I get what you're saying though; I just happen to disagree on it. Maybe I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, but it truly looks like he's just giving a proper introduction to the diplomats.